Farm Rescue accepting applications for spring planting 2008

January 11, 2008

JAMESTOWN, N.D. - Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization founded to help farmers in need, has begun accepting applications from farm families in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Montana for the spring planting of crops. Farm Rescue's mission is to provide planting and harvesting assistance to farm families that have experienced a major illness, injury or natural disaster. The organization has steadily expanded its operations every year to help more family farmers. Farmers are encouraged to apply early. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by March 15, 2008. Applications received after this date will be given consideration based on funding and the logistics of moving both equipment and volunteers to complete planting in a timely manner. “Do not delay in submitting an application because you think someone else may need the help more than you. The Farm Rescue board of directors will review applications and select farm families to receive this free assistance. All information is kept confidential and referenced only during the selection process,” said Christina Hood, Farm Rescue Director of Operations. “Farm Rescue has been successful in helping farm families experiencing a crisis. We do not give money to farmers; we get the work done in a timely fashion. Farm Rescue will be expanding operations in terms of geographical area and capacity to help a larger number of family farmers during 2008,” said Bill Gross, Farm Rescue President and Founder. New Sponsors: Donations from businesses, individuals and foundations help to fund overall operations in each corresponding state. The amount of donations determines the number of farm families that are assisted each year. The largest sponsors are RDO Equipment Company, Bremer, Newman Outdoor Advertising and UPS. There are presently 94 sponsors that support the organization which launched operations just three years ago. The newest sponsors include: Aetna; Agassiz Seed & Supply; Agri-Cover, Inc.; Alliance Pipeline; American Bank; Border States Co-op; Capital RV; Cenex of Washburn; Central Stark & Western Soil Conservations Districts; Dakota Community Bank; Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative; Farmers Union Oil, Portland; Grouser Products; Hoskin Family Farms; KYNU, Big Dog Country 95.5; Lamar; Mid-America Credit Union Association; Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc.; Patzer & Patzer; Rabobank; and Select Heartland Chevy Dealers. To learn more about Farm Rescue, the application process, or volunteering; please visit www.farmrescue.org, email: info@farmrescue.org, or call 701-526-0947.